Tübingen International & European Studies (T-IES) Winter School 2027, Track B: Human Rights in Europe, University of Tübingen, Germany (4-29 January 2027, 8 ECTS)

The Tübingen International & European Studies (T-IES) programme of the University of Tübingen (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen) runs the T-IES Winter School on Memory, Diversity and Sustainability from 4 to 29 January 2027 in Tübingen, Germany. Participants study in English, take a German language course and an intercultural workshop, and join field trips and meetings with representatives of civil society organisations. Students choose one subject course from three study tracks; this post highlights Track (B), the human rights track.

The Winter School is an on-site, four-week programme. Participants are not enrolled as students of the University of Tübingen.

Course: Human Rights in Europe: Common Goals and Current Challenges (the programme page also labels this track "The Struggle for Human Rights in Europe"). Instructor: Dr. Germana Favognano-Bihr (named Dr. Germana Favognano in the syllabus), lecturer for Human Rights and European Union Politics at the University of Tübingen. Language of instruction: English. Contact hours: 40, plus field trips and exam.

• Origins and development of human rights, and the main international and European institutions, laws and mechanisms for their protection.
• European politics of human rights, its achievements and shortcomings, through real cases of human rights violations in EU countries.
• Migration and the protection of refugees, in the context of the rise of populist and extremist movements in the EU.
• Freedom of expression: its limits, and how to protect it while preventing its abuse to promote hatred, intolerance or violence.
• Fieldwork including meetings with local human rights activists.

Grading combines active participation in class and fieldwork with a closed-book, in-person written examination in the form of a short essay. The draft syllabus is attached as the brochure.

• Track (A): Europe, Memory, and Diversity (course: Europe as a Memoryland: Selective Memory and Place-Making Practices).
• Track (C): Sustainability, Biodiversity, and Ethics in Europe (course: Sustaining the Source: Ecology, Water, and Sustainability).
• German language course: compulsory, 18 contact hours; the programme page lists levels A1 to B2, set according to participants' needs, with self-assessment in the application form.
• Intercultural workshop: 2.5 contact hours, in English.
• Social and buddy programme: welcome breakfast, welcome and farewell reception, intercultural evening and bowling (participation in social activities is optional), plus a buddy programme pairing each participant with a Tübingen student.

Courses and excursions are compulsory for all participants.

Per the official programme page: "The courses are designed for undergraduate students from all academic disciplines with a strong general interest in cultures, Europe and Germany in particular. A very good command of English and the willingness to actively participate during course activities are required. Participants must be at least 18 years old." The admission criteria set no nationality condition, and the university sends a letter of invitation for the visa application once the fee is received, so Indian undergraduates, including law students, may apply.

English: at least a high B2 level (CEFR). Preferred proof: TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, CPE, ESOL or Cambridge examinations certificate; comparable certifications are accepted. Students who have studied for at least one year at a university where the language of instruction is English may submit proof of that instead. Native speakers are exempt.

The two official pages state different figures: the Winter School overview page says a maximum of 45 participants (15 per study track), while the application terms say 40 places in total (20 per study track). Admission is mainly based on academic achievements and motivation for participating in the programme, and early application is recommended.

• Programme fee: EUR 1,950.
• Students enrolled at a partner university of the University of Tübingen: EUR 1,800.

The fee includes all courses and workshops, course materials, excursions, a welcome package, the welcome reception and farewell evening, cultural and social activities, accommodation in Tübingen and a public transport ticket for use within Tübingen. Not included: visa fee, flights and travel, health insurance, meals and beverages, and leisure activities. Participants must arrange their own health, accident and liability insurance. The fee must be paid within 15 days after acceptance. T-IES programmes are not subject to the Baden-Württemberg tuition fee amendments for non-EU students.

Cancellation charges: 30% of the fee for cancellations received by 15 November 2026; 50% for cancellations between 16 and 30 November 2026; no refund for cancellations from 1 December 2026 onwards.

8 ECTS credits on successful completion: 6 ECTS for the subject course and 2 ECTS for the German language course, intercultural workshop and buddy programme. Each course ends with a written exam. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and a Transcript of Records. Students wishing to transfer credits should seek approval from their home university's academic advisor.

Apply through the official online application form (choose Track B in the form). After submitting the form, upload the additional documents on the University of Tübingen document upload page: (1) an official, certified transcript of records from your current university, and (2) proof of English proficiency. All documents must be in English, and only complete applications are considered. Your own institution may require an earlier submission.

Applications are open. Upon availability of places, applications are accepted until 10 December 2026; early application is recommended.